Erin L. Kopelman

Erin Kopelman is a divorce attorney who handles cases involving domestic relations and family law, including divorce, custody, child support, property settlement, alimony, post-judgment issues, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Erin is a fierce advocate for those she represents in negotiations and in the courtroom. She is straightforward and communicative, making sure her clients have the information to make the best decisions for themselves and their children. The daughter of two Naval officers, Erin brings a high level of precision and discipline to all her matters.

Erin often represents people with substantial assets or income who have issues related to business valuations, trust interests, or non-marital property. She works with many high-level executives at large companies, independent entrepreneurs, and professionals like attorneys in downtown law firms, as well as their spouses, all of whom value her discretion and her understanding of complex compensation and ownership issues. Erin also handles cases involving support for adult disabled children and domestic violence.

Erin also practices collaborative law and serves as a mediator and arbitrator. The collaborative process allows divorcing couples to work together with their attorneys to create mutually beneficial divorce settlement agreements without going to court. While not appropriate for all couples, in most cases the collaborative process can be transformative and can avoid the escalation of hostility and overwhelming cost inherent in going to court. As a third-party neutral in mediation, Erin assists divorcing couples in reaching negotiated resolutions without messy litigation. In addition, Erin has a certificate in arbitration from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Prior to joining Lerch Early, she practiced law at a boutique divorce and family law firm in Montgomery County.

Erin is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Family Law, is listed in Maryland Super Lawyers, and has been named a “Rising Star” in DC Super Lawyers. The Daily Record named her one of Maryland’s “Leading Women,” and Bethesda Magazine readers gave her the “Family Law Practitioner of the Year” award. Active in the Family Law section of the county bar association, she has received both the “Section Chair of the Year” and “Bar Leader” awards.

Erin loves the exercise, plus peace and beauty, of being out on the water while kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. When she can’t be on the water, Erin enjoys running in her neighborhood while listening to music or on the treadmill while watching TV.

Education

• Nova Southeastern University (J.D., 2006)
• Bucknell University (B.S. in Business Management, 2003)

Admissions

• Maryland
• District of Columbia
• U.S. Supreme Court

• Named a "Top Vote Getter" in Bethesda Magazine’s “Best of Bethesda” Reader’s Poll (2020) 
• Named to Top Attorney List by Bethesda Magazine (2019)
• Named 2018 "Family Law Practitioner of the Year" in Bethesda Magazine's Readers' Picks
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Family Law (2018-present)
• Leadership Montgomery (Class of 2017)
• Named one of Maryland's "Leading Women" by The Daily Record (2015)
• Listed in Maryland Super Lawyers (2012-present)
• Listed in Washington, DC Super Lawyers (2013-present)
• Received the "Bar Leader" award from the Montgomery County, Maryland Bar Foundation for Outstanding Leadership to the Bar (2012)
• Received the "Section Chair of the Year" award from the Bar Association of Montgomery County (2012)

• Round House Theatre (Secretary, Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, 2015-2018; Co-Chair, Gala 2017; Member, Development Committee, 2014; Member, Board of Trustees, 2013-2018)
• Town of Chevy Chase (Past Member and Past Secretary, Community Relations Committee, 2010-2016)
• Sponsored Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Intern (2013-2015)

• Maryland State Bar Association
• District of Columbia Bar Association
• Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland (Member, Executive Committee (2019-present); Co-Chair, Legislation Committee (2019-present); Member, Judicial Selections Panel Committee (2017-present); Past Co-Chair, Member Benefits Committee; Past Chair, Mentor-Mentee Committee; Past Chair, Judges' Breakfasts; Past Co-Chair, Family Law Section; Past Co-Chair of Continuing Legal Education for the Family Law Section; Past Chair, Law Day Presentation for Family Law Section; Past Co-Chair, Family Law Section Pro Bono Project)
• Montgomery County Maryland American Inn of Court (Past associate; Barrister (2018-present))
• Montgomery County Women's Bar Association (Past Liaison to Montgomery County Bar Association Executive Committee; Past Chair of Listserv; Past Chair of End of Year Party)

• Divorce/Family Law

• Represented clients whose non-marital property was being claimed as marital property by a spouse.
• Represented clients where both parties own business interests, obtained valuations, and arranged transfer of business interests
• Secured modification of support awards.
• Represented clients in post-nuptial agreements.
• Secured 50/50 custody for client who was being denied overnights.
• Represented a mother in custody dispute over a young child with health issues. Found medical expert who explained child’s needs to court and secured client majority custody.
• Secured final decision-making authority and primary custody for client after the other parent returned from time abroad demanding custody.
• Filed emergency motion for custody based on one parent’s substance abuse problems and secured custody of children.